Tammy Faye Messner Dies of Cancer

Tammy Faye Messner has lost her 11-year battle with colon cancer after the
cancer spread to her lungs.

Messner was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1996. She died peacefully at her
home near Kansas City, Mo., on July 21, according to her manager, Joe
Spotts.

The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 154,000 people will be diagnosed
with colorectal cancer -- cancer of either the colon or rectum -- in 2007. More
than 52,000 people are expected to die from the condition. Colorectal cancer is
the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.

Fortunately, the death rate from colorectal cancer has been going down for
the past 15 years because of better detection and treatment, according to
the American Cancer Society.

Colon Cancer Detection

Though colon cancer testing isn’t foolproof, it’s one of the most effective
ways to help fight colon cancer. When colon cancer is found earlier, it’s much
easier to treat and cure.

Since the risk of colon cancer rises significantly after age 50, everyone at
that age should have one of the following colon cancer detection tests. People
at high-risk for colon cancer, such as those with a family history, may need to
start colon cancer screening at an earlier age.

There are several available colon cancer detection methods. Which test is
right for you depends on several factors, including whether you have symptoms
of colon cancer, if you’re a high risk for colon cancer, such as a family
history, and the test that your doctor feels is best for you.

Tests for colon cancer detection include:

Stool Blood Test: A stool
sample is tested for very small amounts of blood. If blood is found, further
testing, usually with a colonoscopy, may be needed to look for colon cancer.
Blood in the stool can be caused by noncancerous conditions as well. This test
is done annually.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy:
Using a flexible tube with a camera and light on the end, the doctor inserts
the tube into the rectum to visualize the lower part of the colon. The
disadvantage of this test is that the doctor cannot see the entire colon.
Therefore, some cases of colon cancer could be missed. This test is done every
5 years and is often combined with yearly stool blood tests.

Barium Enema: A chalky
substance containing barium is allowed to flow into the colon. This allows
better X-rays to be taken to look for suspicious signs of colon cancer. Some
air may be pumped in to expand the colon. This test is done every 5
years.

Colonoscopy: This is
essentially a more thorough version of the sigmoidoscopy. The advantage is
that the entire length of the colon can be seen, which helps improve colon
cancer detection. If there are no abnormal findings from the colonoscopy, most
people do not need to have another one for 10 years. If any abnormal findings
are seen in any of the tests above, a colonoscopy is usually required to get a
better look and possibly do a biopsy to look for colon cancer.

Virtual Colonoscopy: This
is a specialized CT scan. While this may sound like a much better option than a
colonoscopy, experts are not convinced that it’s as good at detecting colon
cancer. More tests are needed before it’s considered ready for widespread
use.